Francesco Guidolin claimed 18-year-old PiotrZielinski “has the stigmata of a champion” after a fine performance as Udinese beat Lazio 1-0.

“I am very satisfied with the way the team played, as we showed some excellent football made up of quick and complex passing moves,” said the Coach.

This result allows Udinese to catch Lazio in the table on 51 points, putting them right back in the race for Europe.

“Lazio are having a great season and must be given the utmost respect, as they never give in. We reached this game with a lot of gas in the tank and that allowed us to keep up the pressure on them constantly.”

Antonio Di Natale scored a spectacular volley to decide the game, though 18-year-old Zielinski received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted.

“Di Natale is a rare animal who can do things normal people cannot. I need him fresh in the box, so we can’t make him run too hard.

“When I saw Zielinski three years ago he was practically a child, so skinny and fragile but with two amazing feet. This is why I decided to work with him, as he has the stigmata of a champion.

“Everyone who works at Udinese ensure these lads learn the language and settle in, so these are the results. We observed him over these three years and he’s been working with us for a while. Perhaps that Number 10 we had been looking for is being created in our own house.”